Inflatable packaging system

ABSTRACT

An inflatable packaging system comprised of an inflation channel that feeds a plurality of inflatable cells prevents buckling of the inflation header as the inflatable cells inflate by relieving stress along a seal line that separates the inflation header from the inflatable cells.

REFERENCE TO CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 60/332,185, filed Nov. 16, 2001 by Kevin W.Anderson et al.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to inflatable packaging. Inparticular, the present invention relates to low profile inflatablepackaging systems with improved perimeter protection, integrity andinflatability.

Inflatable packaging systems having opposing inflatable members sealedrelative to one another to form an envelope like package are known toprovide protection for relatively flat items being shipped or otherwisetransported. The known inflatable packaging systems, however, do notprovide ample perimeter protection for such items. There is a need foran inflatable envelope-like packaging system with improved perimeterprotection.

Check valves for a single inflatable member are known. Also known areinflatable packaging systems having multiple inflatable cells. There isa continuing need for check valves that can be easily incorporated intoeach inflatable cell of a multiple cell packaging system to ensure theintegrity of the packaging system in the event of a leak in one regionof the packaging.

Inflatable packaging systems having multiple cells that extendtransverse from a common inflation header are subject to inflationdifficulties. As the cells fill with inflation medium, the width of eachcell decreases. The additive effect of multiple cells inflating anddecreasing in width causes a strain on the seal separating the cellsfrom the inflation header. The result of this strain is a buckling ofthe inflation header that can inhibit or even prevent an inflationmedium from traveling to cells distant from the point of buckling. Thereis a need for an multi-cell inflatable packaging system that improvesthe flow path for an inflation medium through a header to the multiplecells.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inflatable packaging system of the present invention has first andsecond film layers sealed together around a perimeter of the respectivelayers except for a gap. The gap serves as an entrance for an inflationmedium to an interior defined between the first and second film layers.Communicating with the gap is an inflation channel formed by a firstseal of the first and second film layers adjacent to a portion of theperimeter. The inflation channel carries an inflation medium to aplurality of inflatable cells, each of which is in communication withthe inflation channel. The plurality of inflatable cells are formed by aplurality of spaced second seals that extend from and are transverse tothe first seal. The inflatable packaging system comprises means formaintaining airflow through the inflation channel as the plurality ofinflatable cells are inflated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top schematic view of an inflatable member of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the film layer orientation forthe inflatable member of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 a is a cross-sectional view of the inflatable member of FIG. 1taken along line 2 a-2 a of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top schematic view of an alternative embodiment of theinflatable member of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the film layer orientation forthe inflatable member of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 a is a cross-sectional view of the inflatable member of FIG. 3taken along line 4 a-4 a of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cutaway view of an inflatable cell of theinflatable member of the present invention with an alternative valveconfiguration.

FIG. 5 a is an exploded perspective view of the film layer orientationfor forming the valve of FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a packaging system formed from twoinflatable members of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the packaging system of FIG. 6 takenalong line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a schematic end view of an alternative packaging systemconfiguration formed from two inflatable members of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the alternative packagingsystem of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the packaging system of FIG. 6 withenhanced perimeter protection.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged schematic cutaway view of a segment of theinflatable member of FIG. 1 incorporating pleats in the peripheralinflatable chamber.

FIG. 12 is a partial top schematic view of an alternative multi-cellpackaging system of the present invention

FIG. 13 is a first alternative embodiment of the packaging system ofFIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a second alternative embodiment of the packaging system ofFIG. 12.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are cross-sectional views of alternate constructions ofthe packaging systems of FIGS. 12-14 utilizing a one way valve of FIGS.5-5 a.

While the above-identified drawing figures set forth preferredembodiments of the invention, other embodiments are also contemplated,as noted in the discussion. In all cases, this disclosure presents thepresent invention by way of representation and not limitation. It shouldbe understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can bedevised by those skilled in the art which fall within the scope andspirit of the principles of this invention. It should be specificallynoted that the figures have not been drawn to scale as it has beennecessary to enlarge certain portions for clarity. Throughout theembodiments, like reference numerals are used for like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Packaging system 10 of the present invention is generally shown inFIG. 1. Packaging system 10 is comprised of an inflatable member 12formed of overlaying first and second layers 14 and 16 (See FIG. 2) of aflexible polymeric material. Opposing peripheral edge surfaces of layers14 and 16 are interconnected by a perimeter heat seal 18. A smallperipheral section 20 of layers 14 and 16 is left unsealed to providefor a check valve 22, such as is commonly known in the art. Suitablecheck valves are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,917,646 and5,711,691.

Spaced from perimeter heat seal 18 along three sides of inflatablemember 12, a heat seal 24 interconnects layers 14 and 16 to define aperipheral inflatable chamber 26 of inflatable member 12, with inflationvalve 22 communicating with a first section 27 of inflatable chamber 26.Layers 14 and 16 are further interconnected by heat seals 28, whichextends between heat seal segments 24 a and 24 b, to define a series ofinflatable cells 30 of inflatable member 12 of packaging system 10. Eachinflatable cell 30 communicates with first section 27 of inflatablechamber 26, such as via an interruption of heat seal segment 24 a.

As further shown in FIGS. 1-2 a, in one preferred embodiment, inflatablecells 30 and a second section 29 of peripheral inflatable chamber 26include a one way valve system 32 to retain air in the respective celland/or chamber once packaging system 10 is inflated. One way valve 32 isformed by connecting a third polymeric layer 34 (shown in FIGS. 2-2 a)to first layer 14 with a series of heat seals which will be furtherdescribed herein.

In one preferred embodiment, valve 32 is formed by positioning thirdlayer 34 between first layer 14 and second layer 16. Third layer 34 hasa length, defined by edges 36 and 40, that is generally equal to that offirst and second layers 14 and 16, but third layer 34 has a width,defined by opposing end edges 42 and 44, that is less than that of firstand second layers 14 and 16. Valve 32 is formed by spacing edge 36 ofthird layer 34 from peripheral heat seal segment 18 a. Edge 36 is thensealed relative to first layer 14 and second layer 16 by heat sealsegment 24 a. Heat seal segment 24 a completely seals edge 36 of thirdlayer 34 to second layer 16. At intervals corresponding to eachinflatable cell 30 and second section 29 of inflatable chamber 26,however, one of the opposing surfaces of either first layer 14 or thirdlayer 34 is treated with a heat resistant material (e.g., ink or paint)along heat seal segment 24 a to prevent heat sealing at the treatedsites and thereby define air inlets 38.

Edge 40 of third layer 34 is connected to first layer 14 by a heat sealthat spans inflatable cells 30 (interrupted by outlets 48 as describedbelow). Opposing end edges 42 and 44 of third layer 34 areinterconnected by heat seal to first layer 14 and second layer 16 alongthe perimeter heat seal segments 18 b and 18 c, respectively. Thirdlayer 34 is further connected to first layer 14 with a series of heatwelds 46 which are generally parallel to and spaced from heat sealsegment 24 a and edge 40 of third layer 34. One of the opposing surfacesof either third layer 34 or first layer 14 is further treated with heatresistant material to prevent welding of third layer 34 and first layer14 at discreet locations along each heat weld 46 to create aserpentine-like flow path for an inflation medium from inlets 38. Eachserpentine-like flow path terminates at an outlet 48 that communicateswith an interior of inflatable member 12. Outlets 48 are formed bytreating a portion of either first layer 14 or third layer 34 adjacentto edge 40 with a heat resistant material, as previously described.

Inflatable member 12 of packaging system 10 is inflated by applying airthrough inflation valve 22. The first section 27 of peripheralinflatable chamber 26 communicates with valve 32 via inlet 38. Air flowsfrom peripheral inflatable chamber 26 through each inlet 38 and therespective serpentine flow path defined by segmented heat welds 46 andenters each inflatable cell 30 and section 29 of peripheral inflatablechamber 26 via outlets 48. As inflatable cells 30 and section 29 ofperipheral inflatable chamber 26 achieve their maximum inflation, theinternal pressure of inflatable cell 30 and inflatable chamber 26 causesopposing surfaces of third layer 34 and first layer 14 to tightly bearagainst one another and thereby prevent air from escaping inflatablecell 30 and peripheral inflatable chamber 26.

As shown in FIGS. 3-4 a, in an alternative embodiment, valve 32 may beformed with third layer 34 connected to an outer surface 35 of firstlayer 14. In this embodiment, second layer 16 is connected to surface 37of first layer 14 opposite the outer surface 35 of first layer 14. Asshown in FIGS. 3-4 a, edge 36 of third layer 34 is sealed relative tothe edge of first layer 14 along perimeter heat seal segment 18 a. Aheat seal further connects edges 40 and 42 of third layer 34 to firstlayer 14. Edge 44 of third layer 34 is sealed relative to first layer 14with the exception of the small peripheral section 20 that defines aninflation medium inlet, as previously described.

Second layer 16 is dimensioned to have a length defined by perimeterheat seal segments 18 b and 18 c, and a width defined by heat sealsegment 24 a and perimeter heat seal segment 18 d. The perimeter edgesof second layer 16 are connected to first layer 14 by heat seal segments18 b, 18 c, 18 d and 24 a. Heat seal segment 24 a also connects firstlayer 14 and third layer 34, with inlets 38 being formed by treating aportion of either first layer 14 or third layer 34 with a heat resistantmaterial at intervals corresponding to each cell 30 to prevent sealingof adjacent surfaces of first layer 14 and third layer 34 when heat sealsegment 24 a is formed. Heat welds 46, as described relative to FIG. 1,interconnect third layer 34 to first layer 14 to form the serpentineflow path of valve 32. Outlets 48, however, in the embodiment shown inFIG. 3, are formed by an opening through first layer 14 near the end ofthe serpentine flow path, as shown in FIG. 4 a. As previously described,when inflatable cells 30 and section 29 of peripheral inflatable chamber26 achieve their maximum inflation, the internal pressure of inflatablecell 30 and inflatable chamber 26 causes opposing surfaces of thirdlayer 34 and first layer 14 to tightly bear against one another andthereby prevent air from escaping inflatable cell 30 and peripheralinflatable chamber 26.

FIG. 5 depicts an alternative embodiment of one way valve 32 for usewith packaging system 10. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cutaway view of one ofinflatable cells 30. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 5 a, the alternativeconfiguration of valve 32 consists of a pair of film layers 15 and 17positioned between first layer 14 and second layer 16. Layers 15 and 17of valve 32 are sealed relative to one another and to first and secondlayers 14 and 16 via heat seals 28 and 24. Opposing edge surfaces oflayers 15 and 17 are treated with a heat resistant material along zone19 to prevent heat sealing and thereby define an air inlet of valve 32.Heat seals 21 further interconnect layers 15 and 17 to define a flowpath 23 in communication with inflatable cell 30. Opposing edges 25 oflayers 15 and 17 remain unsealed. Thus, air flowing through peripheralinflatable chamber 26 is allowed to enter flow path 23 of valve 32 viathe inlet defined by zone 19. Air flowing through pathway 23 entersinflatable cell 30. When inflatable cell 30 reaches maximum inflation,air pressure within inflatable cell 30 urges layers 15 and 17 tightagainst one another to prevent air from escaping through air pathway 23and thereby maintain inflatable cell 30 in an inflated state.

One-way valve 32 provides integrity to inflatable member 12 of packagingsystem 10 by ensuring that an isolated air leak in one region ofinflatable member 12 will not result in a complete catastrophic failureof packaging system 10. Inflatable member 12 of packaging system 10 maybe also be used, however, without one way valve 32. Packaging system 10is a simple yet elegant inflatable packaging material capable of avariety of uses. For example, breakable or fragile articles can beplaced between multiple sections of inflatable member 12. Further,sections of inflatable member 12 can be sized to line the inner walls ofa shipping box to isolate fragile contents from the outer box wall. Afurther and more novel use of inflatable member 12 will be describedherein by reference to FIGS. 6-9.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a particularly, advantageous applicationof inflatable member 12 to form an inflatable package protection system60 for shipping of low profile, fragile items. System 60 is generallycomprised of an upper section 62 of inflatable member 12 and a lowersection 64 of inflatable member 12. System 60 is formed by verticallyaligning the peripheral edges of sections 62 and 64, and byinterconnecting opposing peripheral surface areas of sections 62 and 64together on three sides. Interconnected sections 62 and 64 combine toform an envelope-like inflatable container with open end 66 permittingaccess of a low profile item between sections 62 and 64. While system 60is shown in an inflated state, it is to be understood that itemsrequiring protection for shipping or storage are inserted throughopening 66 and positioned between sections 62 and 64 while system 60 isin a deflated state. Each section 62 and 64 is subsequently inflatedthrough an inflation valve, such as inflation valve 22, as previouslydescribed relative to FIG. 1. Inflation of inflatable cells 30 causesopposing inner surfaces of sections 62 and 64 to bear tightly against anarticle placed within system 60 so as to securely hold the item withinthe pocket defined between sections 62 and 64. Peripheral inflatablechambers 26 of sections 62 and 64 provide particularly suitableperimeter protection particularly when system 60 is fitted within ashipping box or container.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of system 60 taken essentially along line 7-7shown in FIG. 6 and further positioned within a shipping container 70.As shown in FIG. 7, section 62 of inflatable member 12 is interconnectedto section 64 of inflatable member 12 by heat welding opposing surfacesof sections 62 and 64 together along heat seal 24 (which interconnectslayers 14 and 16 of inflatable member 12). To maintain perimeterprotection in the event of an air leak in one cell 30 or chamber 26,section 27 of chamber 26 of section 62 is positioned on one side ofsystem 60, while section 27 of chamber 26 of section 64 is positioned onthe other side of system 60. Sections 62 and 64 thus interconnected,peripheral inflatable chambers 26 of system 60 provide significantcorner and edge protection for an item while maintaining a low profileand maximizing interior pocket size. An item 78 thus secured withinsystem 60 is protected on its top and bottom by inflatable cells 30 andabout its periphery by inflatable peripheral chambers 26. System 60thereby provides a low profile inflatable package protection system thatcushions fragile, low profile items, such as picture frames, chinaplates, or laptop computers and spaces such items from the walls of ashipping container 70, as shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 is an end view of an alternative embodiment of packaging system60. The embodiment of packaging system 60 shown in FIG. 8 differs fromthat shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 in that opposing surfaces of peripheralinflatable chambers 26 of sections 62 and 64 are interconnected aboutthe periphery of inflatable member 12 adjacent to heat seal 18. Theresulting configuration of packaging system 60 thereby incorporates agreater pocket area 80 to accommodate larger items.

The particular interconnection of opposing sections 62 and 64 is moreclearly shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, opposing surfaces ofperipheral inflatable chamber 26 are interconnected along a zone ofadhesion generally referred to by reference numeral 82. In oneembodiment, adhesion zone 82 generally extends from heat seal 18 to adistance that generally corresponds to the radius of peripheralinflatable chamber 26 when inflatable member 12 is fully inflated. Thisin turn results in greater spacing between heat seal 24 of inflatablemember 12 forming section 62 and heat seal 24 of inflatable member 12forming section 64, which in turn results in a larger pocket 80 ofpackaging system 60. In alternative embodiments, the size of pocket 80can be adjusted by varying the location of adhesion zone 82. Locatingadhesion zone closer to heat seal 24 results in a smaller pocket 80, andconversely, locating adhesion zone 82 closer to heat seal 18 results ina larger pocket 80. Packaging system 60 formed in the manner shown inFIGS. 8 and 9 thereby is able to accommodate items of variousdimensions. Furthermore, it is possible to allow inflatable member 12 ofsection 62 to communicate with inflatable member 12 of section 64 byproviding an inflation hole 22 a (shown in dotted lines in FIG. 9)between respective sections 26 of sections 62 and 64 (and any additionalsections of inflatable member 12) along adhesion zone 82. The employmentof inflation hole 22 a permits multiple sections of inflatable member 12to be inflated by a single inflation valve 22 associated with one of theinflatable members 12.

FIG. 10 is a cross-section view of another embodiment of the packagingsystem 60 in which perimeter protection is further enhanced by theformation of secondary perimeter inflation zones 25 adjacent toperipheral inflatable chambers 26. Perimeter inflation zones 25 areformed by an additional heat seal 29 of each layer 14 and 16 which isspaced from and generally parallel with heat seal 24. Segments of layers14 and/or 16 corresponding to heat seal 29 are treated with a heatresistant material along heat seal 29 in the manner previously describedsufficient to form gaps in heat seal 29 and thereby allow the inflationmedium to fill inflatable cells 30 and perimeter inflation zones 25.Perimeter inflation zones 25 combined with peripheral inflatablechambers 26 increase the edge distance of item 78 from shippingcontainer 70 and provide enhanced cushioning for the perimeter edges offragile items.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged cutaway view of a segment of an inflatable member12 relative to inflatable cell 30 and that portion of peripheralinflatable chamber 26 extending transverse to inflatable cells 30. FIG.11 depicts a modification to the formation of peripheral inflatablechamber 26 to minimize buckling of inflatable chamber 26 when inflatablemember 12 is fully inflated. As cells 30 of inflatable member 12inflate, the length L of inflatable member 12 decreases. In response tothis decrease in length, inflatable chamber 26 has a tendency to buckleor crimp at one or more locations along the length L of inflatablemember 12, which can cause inflatable member 12 to curl along itslength. To compensate for this buckling or crimping effect of inflatablechamber 26, one or more pleats 90 are formed by a V-shaped heat weld ofthe opposing surfaces of first layer 14 and second layer 16 along heatseal segments 18 a and 18 d. As shown in FIG. 11, pleats 90 extend fromheat seal 18 to a point 92 that is sufficiently spaced from heat seal 24to allow air to flow through peripheral inflatable chamber 26. Pleats 90aid in adjusting for the reduction in length of inflatable member 12upon full inflation so as to maintain a more uniform peripheral shape atregions of inflatable chamber 26 prone to buckling. It is to beappreciated that the number and size of pleats may be varied toaccommodate varying lengths and sizes of inflatable member 12.

While a novel packaging system has been described herein to be comprisedof two, interconnected sections of inflatable members 12, it is intendedto be understood that other packaging systems having two or more pocketopenings may be formed by interconnecting three or more sections ofinflatable members 12 employing the teachings herein. Sections ofinflatable members 12 may be arranged and interconnected in a manner toorient the pocket openings on a common end of the packaging system.Alternatively, the interconnection of sections of inflatable members 12may be located to vary the orientation of each pocket opening definedbetween two contiguous sections of inflatable members 12.

FIG. 12 is a partial top view of an alternative multi-cell packagingsystem 100, which is formed from two film layers in a manner similar tosystem 10 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 12, system 100 comprises aplurality of inflatable cells 102 each of which communicates with acommon air passageway or header 104 via inlets 105. Header 104 is formedby a first edge heat seal 106 and a spaced, generally parallel heat seal108, which interconnect the two film layers. Header 104 is open at oneend to permit the introduction of an inflation medium, such as air.Alternatively, header 104 can communicate with a filler valve (notshown) which is similar to valve 22 of FIG. 1. The width of header 104may be varied along the length of system 100 to facilitate inflation ofcells 102 downstream from the initial introduction of an inflationmedium into the header 104, in which case heat seals 106 and 108 willnot be parallel.

Inlets 105 are formed by treating sections of the inner surfaces of thetwo film layers where heat seal 108 is to be made with a heat resistantmaterial, in the manner previously described. Cells 102 are formed byspaced and generally parallel heat seals 110, which extend from and aretransverse to heat seal 108, and by a second edge heat seal 112 that isgenerally parallel to the first edge seal 106. While only two cells 102are shown in FIG. 12, it is to be understood that system 100 maycomprise any desirable number of cells. Cells 102 may be inflated in aparticular order, i.e., last to first, or first to last, by varying thewidth of inlets 105 of each cell 102. Inflation medium will flow throughwider inlets first. Inlets 105 may vary in width by as little as 0.0125inch to see this effect.

As the number of cells in system 100 increase, the ability to inflatedownstream cells 102 can be significantly impacted as the initial cells102 inflate and shorten the length L of system 100. This shortening ofsystem 100 due to inflation of cells 102 causes a strain along seal 108,which causes a buckling or creasing of the header that can lead to ablockage of air flow to downstream cells. To alleviate this bucklingtendency, in one preferred embodiment, each cell 102 is formed toinclude a pair of heat seals 114 that extend at an angle between heatseals 110 and heat seal 108 adjacent to an intersection of seals 110 and108. As is seen in FIG. 12, seals 114, 110 and 108 isolate an area 116,which is then cut out and removed to form a void between adjacent cells102 near the header 104. These cut outs relieve the strain along seal108 and sufficiently reduce buckling of the header to ensure adequateair flow through the header to downstream cells 102 of system 100.

As shown in FIG. 13, a first alternative embodiment of system 100 isdemonstrated that reduces the buckling effect of the header uponinflation of cells 102. According to the embodiment of FIG. 13, heatseals 110 bisect heat seal 108. Each segment of heat seal 108 is thenprovided with a slit 120, which isolates the inflation induceddimensional changes of cells 102 from header 104 and alleviates thebuckling effect along seal 108.

A second alternative embodiment of system 100 is shown in FIG. 14. Asshown in FIG. 14, system 100 is in a deflated state. Each heat seal 110that separates adjacent cells 102 is provided with a central cut 130that extends between seal 108 and seal 112. This central cut 130 permitseach cell 102 to individually reduce in width W as cells 102 areinflated, such that a gap between adjacent cells 102 forms along cut130. Thus, cut 130 relieves the strain along seal 108 and preventsheader 104 from buckling.

Each cell 102 of system 100 may also incorporate a one way valve, likeone way valve 32 described relative to FIGS. 1-5 a. In such an event,individual inflated cells 102 can be severed from system 100 withoutdestroying the continuity of system 100, such as by extending cut 130beyond seals 106 and 112. In this manner, system 100 can have a lengthdefined by any desirable number of cells 102 to accommodate objects ofdiffering sizes. System 100 can be inflated and wrapped around an objectthat is to be shipped in a shipping container or box. Once inflated,additional individual cells 102 can be separated from system 100 andused to fill any remaining voids in the shipping container. System 100may, for example, be formed in a roll of a plurality of cells 102. Adesired number of cells 102 may be selected and severed from the roll,resulting in a header 104 that is unsealed, as shown in FIG. 14. In suchan event, the gap G between seal 106 and seal 108 at one end of theheader 104 is either permanently closed with a heat seal, or temporarilyclosed with a clamp prior to inflation of the selected cells 102.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are cross-sectional views of system 100 whichincorporate a one way valve 32 previously described relative to FIGS.5-5 a. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the header 104 is formed by layers15 and 17 of valve 32, which may, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 be acontinuous sheet of material. In FIG. 15, layers 14 and 16 are shownheat sealed to layers 15 and 17 along heat seal 108. A heat resistantmaterial, such as heat resistant material layer 140 on layer 15, isapplied at the location of inlets 105 to prevent sealing of layers 15and 17 at those locations. As shown in FIG. 16, alternatively layers 14and 16 can be sealed relative to surfaces of layers 15 and 17 adjacentto header 104. Heat resistant material layer 142 is applied to layer 15and/or 17 along header 104 to prevent sealing of layers 15 and 17 alongheader 104. The embodiment of FIG. 15 may be utilized with any of theembodiments of system 100 shown in FIGS. 12-14, while the embodiment ofFIG. 16 is particularly suited for use with the embodiment of system 100shown in FIG. 14. The embodiments of FIGS. 15 and 16 enable theformation of a header and one way valve 32 in one construction which cansubsequently be combined with a construction corresponding to inflatablecells 102 to form system 100 of any desired length.

Although the present invention has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention. Also, various permutations of the presentinvention are possible by exchanging corresponding features of thevarious embodiments.

1. In a multi-chambered inflatable packaging system having overlyingfirst and second film layers connected together around a perimeter ofthe first and second layers by a perimeter seal except for a gapsufficient in size to allow an inflation medium to be introduced into aninterior defined between the first and second film layers, an inflationchannel formed by a first seal of the first and second film layersadjacent a portion of the perimeter, wherein the inflation channel is influid communication with the gap, a plurality of separate inflatablecells in fluid communication with the inflation channel, the pluralityof inflatable cells formed by plurality of spaced second seals extendingfrom and transverse to the first seal, the improvement comprising: meansfor maintaining airflow through the inflation channel as the pluralityof inflatable cells are inflated, wherein the means for maintainingairflow comprises a slit of the first and second film layers.
 2. Thepackaging system of claim 1, wherein the slit of the first and secondfilm layers is along a portion of the first seal.
 3. The packagingsystem of claim 1, wherein the slit of the first and second film layersis along a portion of each of the second seals.
 4. The packaging systemof claim 3 wherein the plurality of spaced second seals extend betweenthe first seal and a first segment of the perimeter seal, the slitextending between the first seal and the first segment of the perimeterseal.